UK Immigration News

The government of the Cayman Islands decided that as of 1 Nov. all Jamaican nationals would require a visa. Since then, some businesses, including travel agencies and airlines, have seen serious drops in business. The Cayman Islands are a Caribbean island group, and are an overseas territory of the UK.

"Every travel agent will tell you that they enjoy their corporate client but they make the bulk of their money from the trips between Kingston to Cayman and Cayman to Florida," said one travel industry representative.

Almost 600 overseas students have obtained permission to stay in Scotland for a further two years since a new scheme, called the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent initiative, was introduced in June.

First Minister Jack McConnell said the figure was higher than he had expected.

The Working in Scotland scheme, open to non-European Union students, is a key part of the Fresh Talent initiative aimed at boosting Scotland's population and attracting qualified foreign workers.

Irish nationals prefer to own their own homes, rather than rent. New arrivals to Ireland appear to have the same preference, with one estate agent reporting that non-national buyers represent up to 30 percent of new homes sales.

From 13 November 2005, all nationals from non-EEA member states as listed below who wish to come to the UK for more than six months will need to obtain an entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission before travelling.

The entry clearance, which will cost £85.00 will enable the traveller to stay for the full period without having to apply for a residence permit unless they wish to change or extend their stay.

Refugees in Glasgow are to be targeted for a career in the health service. A new pilot scheme has been created to tap into the skills of thousands of refugees in the city who are currently out of work.

The Scotsman.com reports that a recent report says Scotland's high-profile drive to attract migrants to Scotland is threatening to spark racial problems because agencies are failing to help new arrivals integrate into society. The information was printed in a new report by the Commission for Racial Equality.

Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell initiated the Fresh Talent program, which is designed to attract skilled foreign workers to Scotland.